<p> Grand Anse Playgroup News Update January 2009</p><p>Hello Families, </p><p>The GAP staff members would like to wish all our families a Happy and Prosperous New Year. We were excited to see our returning families and meeting new ones who have joined us this term. This semester will be an exciting and busy one as our three rooms are nearly filled. </p><p>Our Assistant Director Jenelle had a healthy baby girl, Eloise Johnson Bullen, on Wednesday 31, December. Congratulations to the Bullen family, Jack is a big brother. Jenelle will be on maternity leave until April. In her absence Adele Halge (1- 6pm) and Eleanor Lett will be sharing the duties of Assistant Director. </p><p>During the Christmas break our staff attended a one day developmental workshop “Exploring materials and planning meaningful activities” with Susan Budde of SLB Collaborations. It was a very educational and informative workshop and our staff left filled with new ideas. The next staff Professional Development day will be April 20th in the afternoon. The GAP will be closed from 1pm to 6 pm. Please plan accordingly.</p><p>In recognition of Grenada’s Independence - February 7th we are requesting that children wear the colours of the Grenadian Flag (red, green & yellow) on Friday, February 6th. </p><p>We’d like thank all of our parents who submitted nominations for the GAP Employee of the Year for 2008. The GAP Employee of the Year award is given to an employee demonstrating outstanding work performance, commitment to the program, team work and parental recognition (i.e. nominations from parents). The first recipient of this award is Eleanor Lett. Ms. Lett has, during her tenure with the GAP, contributed greatly to the ongoing development of the program, providing leadership, mentoring, creativity, energy and has endeared herself to all the children and families of her playroom. Eleanor’s dedication to her students shines through her work and activities everyday. Congratulations Eleanor!</p><p>What’s been happening at the GAP in Playroom I? We would like to welcome our new students Simon Durcanska, Dyson Johnson Kartikey Tiwari and Samhita Upadhya to our room. Also we would like to welcome Ariana DeRiggs, who graduated from the toddler room. This term we have begun exploring our numbers. We have also continued studying the letters of the alphabet, N –P. The children enjoyed making their shape owl and making owl sounds. Fence painting was hoped to be a big “hit’. But do to inclement weather; paper was attached to the walls inside the playroom. The children still had great fun painting. </p><p>What’s been happening at the GAP in Playroom II We would like to welcome Mateo Durcanska, Annabella Lekberg and Nikala Louw (who graduated from the infant room). This month we explored the themes – numbers, big & small and pets. The children had to utilize their listening skills to identify the sounds of the different animals. They discovered the concept big and small by manipulating various objects.</p><p>What’s been happening at the GAP in Playroom III? Welcome, welcome to Jubril Oloye. It has been exciting to see several of our infants who are now walking and exploring their surroundings. Infant circle time continues to be another favorite time for the babies. Clapping, singing and dancing help the infants develop coordination and language. This term we have divided the children into two groups “Stars” and “Suns” to better cater to their needs. Our walkers have been participating in physical education two days per week. They are also being introduced to the colours, numbers and letters.</p><p>What is coming up at the GAP? Playroom I To celebrate Grenada’s Independence (February 7th), the children will be learning a few facts about Grenada and creating the different flags of the children in their room. On Friday February 6th at 3:30pm the children will share what they have learnt. Parents are invited to attend the informal presentation being given to the younger children at the GAP. Playroom II The beginning of the month of February the children will be concentrating on the colours of the National Flag of Grenada and decorating their room. The themes they will be also exploring are flowers, family and the concept up and down. Playroom III The activity that the infants will be experiencing is “First Sounds”. The children will be exploring different animal sounds. The new sign for this month is “finish”</p><p>Tammy Martin Jenelle Bullen Director, GAP Assistant Director, GAP [email protected] GAP [email protected] 405-3522 439-6657 405-4036</p>